The Joy of Leave: Understanding the Value of Breaks in Life

 

The Joy of Leave: Understanding the Value of Breaks in Life
Leave—such a simple word, yet it holds such profound meaning at every stage of life. From the innocent excitement  

of childhood to the bittersweet sense of freedom during retirement, the concept of leave is something we universally  

treasure. But our relationship with leave, or time off, changes as we grow, and with each passing phase, we gain a new  

perspective on what it truly means to take a break.
As I recently enjoyed a 15-day Child Care Leave (CCL) to help my son prepare for his pre-boards, I found myself  

reflecting on what “leave” really means to me now and how it changes based on our circumstances. Being a working  

woman, leave has become more than just a “break”; it’s a lifeline that I often look forward to as a reset from my usual  

responsibilities. This period away from work led me to think about how we value leave differently depending on our  

life stage and, more specifically, how a job shapes our appreciation of time off.

 

Childhood: The First Taste of Freedom
In childhood, leave meant pure joy, especially those unplanned surprises. Long vacations were thrilling, but nothing  

beat the excitement of arriving at school only to hear it was unexpectedly closed or, even better, an “Aadhi Chhutti Puri”—a half-day magically turning into a full day off. These moments were our first taste of freedom, teaching us to cherish the joy of an unexpected break, a lesson that stays with us for life. 

Adulthood and Work Life: A New Understanding of Leave
As we transition from school to work, our relationship with leave changes drastically. Now, we’re surrounded by 

endless tasks, deadlines, and professional commitments, making time off feel more like a luxury than a given. In many ways, we begin to understand the true value of leave only once we have jobs.
For working women, especially, leave can be both a necessity and a blessing. Managing a job alongside family responsibilities often feels like a delicate balancing act. In moments like these, leave becomes a chance to not only rest but also recharge and realign with personal goals. Taking leave doesn’t just mean relaxation; it often means being able to take care of family, pursue hobbies, or simply catch up on much-needed sleep!
When I recently took CCL, it allowed me to be present with my son as he prepared for his exams. It gave me the opportunity to connect, support, and enjoy time with him without the constant pull of work tasks. It also gave me a chance to reflect on the unique experience of being a working woman who has access to this kind of leave, and the pros and cons of juggling a career alongside family life. 
The Pros and Cons of Leave as a Working Woman
For women, taking leave can bring a mix of feelings—relief and gratitude for the break, but sometimes a bit of guilt for being away from work. On the plus side, a break can refresh the mind, lower stress, and improve mental health, while also allowing for quality time with family and the chance to enjoy hobbies. A rested mind often means better work when returning, too. However, there are challenges: work can pile up, and long breaks can make it hard to reconnect with ongoing projects. Some women also feel guilty for taking leave, especially in demanding jobs, and in some workplaces, taking leave often can lead to misunderstandings about one’s commitment, 
Life After Retirement: The Longest Leave of All
Finally, retirement is the ultimate leave—a long, permanent vacation from formal work. After years of contributing professionally, retirement is the time to finally rest and enjoy the fruits of labour. But many retirees find themselves missing the structure, purpose, and daily engagement that work provides. Retirement is often a reminder that while leave is refreshing and necessary, it’s the combination of work and rest that creates a fulfilling life. 
Leave for Housewives: Different but Just as Important
As a housewife, the concept of leave can seem elusive. Though housewives may not have formal jobs, their day-to-day lives are filled with endless tasks. A holiday or a vacation may be the only chance they get to relax, but even then, it’s usually intertwined with family responsibilities. Housewives, too, deserve their own form of “leave”—a time to recharge and take a break from the routines they maintain tirelessly. 
Reflecting on the Essence of Leave
My recent experience with CCL was a gentle reminder that leave is not just a break from work; it’s a fundamental part of well-being, growth, and balance. It’s a reminder that work and leave are two sides of the same coin, each necessary to fully appreciate the other.
Whether it’s a summer vacation from school, a hard-earned break from work, or the sweet freedom of retirement, leave gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. So, here’s to leave—the precious time we all need and cherish at every stage of life.
BY GEETA BHANWALA